[sf-lug] Error message: wrong architecture (Chrome on Ubuntu - 32/64 bit)

[Michael Paoli]

> From: "Christian Einfeldt" <einfeldt at gmail.com>
> Subject: [sf-lug] Error message: wrong architecture
> Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:24:14 -0700

> I am concerned that I have installed the incorrect Ubuntu distro on my
> Zareason ultralap 440.  When I went to Ubuntu to download the .iso, it gave
> me this iso to install:
>
> ubuntu-14.04.2-desktop-amd64.iso

That's 64 bit (amd64/x86_64)

> When I check the system settings, it says that I have an Intel Core
> i5-42008 CPU @ 1.60 GHz x 4.

You can check on Intel's site if that's 32 or 64 bit.
You can also look at the flags in /proc/cpuinfo
to determine if it's 32 bit, or 64 bit capable CPU
(I'll leave the details as to how to do that as an exercise)

> My problem is that I am trying to install the Google Chrome browser, using
> this method:
>
> http://askubuntu.com/questions/510056/how-to-install-google-chrome-on-ubuntu-14-04

Don't think I've peeked at the contents of that URL, but in general, one
should install the package(s) for one's distribution (Ubuntu in this case)
from the Ubuntu repository(/ies).
I don't know for certain about Ubnutu off-the-top-of-my-head,
but in general, Chrome contains some proprietary bits, and it may (or may
not) be available in the Ubuntu repository.  However, most distributions,
have (or have if they don't have Chrome) Chromium, which is the Open Source
version of Chrome (Chrome, less some Google proprietary bits stripped out).

> Essentially, when I follow that method, it always gives me an AMD package:
>
> google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

That would be a package for 64-bit (amd64).

> and then when I try to install it, I get an error that says wrong
> architecture.
>
> Then when I do uname -m here is what I get
>
> cje at laptopfizz:~$ uname -m
> i686

You're running a 32 bit kernel (i386/i486/i586/i686).
64 bit (for same family of Intel/AMD architecture, would be
amd64 or x86_64 (naming will depend upon Linux distribution,
Ubuntu uses Debian convention, of amd64 for 64 bit).


> Do I have the wrong type of Ubuntu?  Do I need to get a different version
> of Ubuntu 14.04?  How do I get Google Chrome on this machine?  I want to
> use Chrome in addition to Chromium and Firefox. Thanks!

You have a mismatch between the browser package architecture you're
attempting to install and (at least) your kernel.  Your hardware may
or may not support 64 bit - if it doesn't you need to be 32 bit for
OS, kernel, and software packages running natively on it (not under some
type of hardware emulation).

In general, 32 bit can run on 64 bit (but may require dependent bits such
as OS, libraries, etc.), but generally can't run 64 bit atop 32 bit.